Science camp teaches kids the ways of water

It’s no longer commonplace to see a group of kids throwing a football around outdoors, laughing and running and playing together. On Thursday, a group of 18 kids from Greeley were doing just that – in a large snowfield in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The kids are spending three days in the park as part of the Science Camp program, a team effort by Greeley’s Youth Enrichment Program, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association and Rocky Mountain National Park to provide an outdoor adventure, teach the kids about where Greeley’s water comes from and give them an opportunity to make a personal connection with the park.

“These are the future stewards of Rocky Mountain National Park and other protected areas,” said Rainey Kreis, education specialist for Rocky Mountain National Park. “If they have a chance to make a personal connection with the park and find a sense of place in it, it’s very likely they’ll have a sense of stewardship and care for these places the rest of their lives.”

The headwaters of Greeley’s watershed originate in the snowfield where the kids were playing, she said. The snows release water into the Big Thompson and Poudre rivers.

After their game, the kids learned how to tell whether a stream in Hidden Valley is healthy, to measure the temperature and depth of the water, and more.

“If the water’s gross, trout can’t live in it,” said Thomas Silva, 12, from Greeley. “If the water’s nasty, no one will come here anymore.”

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“There’s no littering,” said Jocelyn Alirez, 11, of Greeley. “Trash ends up in streams and oceans. Animals would die by touching or eating it.”

The Rocky Mountain Nature Association’s Next Generation Fund provided funding for the program.

“We’re investing in the park by investing in the future of children,” said Steve Coles, fundraising program manager for the association.

The program helps the kids in other ways as well.

“We’re challenging each individual to go beyond their comfort zone,” said David Sanchez, recreation program manager for the Greeley Leisure Services Department. “We’re building character, teaching the kids how to make good decisions, teamwork, and how to be responsible for each other.”

“I learned to face my fears,” said Mario Carrasco, 14, of Greeley. Afraid of heights, he challenged himself to join his peers and watch a marmot scamper about from the heights of Trail Ridge Road. “It makes me feel good about myself.”

The kids will be back in the park in July to work with the American Conservation Corps to help restore trails in Moraine Park.

Alirez shared some advice for other kids interested in the Science Camp program: “Pay attention and listen to everything these people say, because they’re giving you advice you can use for the rest of your life.”